Plant-based diets, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, are increasingly linked to better health and reduced risk of chronic disease. More people are adopting these diets for health, environmental, and ethical reasons, driving demand for plant-based alternatives and robust nutrition evidence. In the UK, industry data show that around 16% of adults follow meat-free diets and over a third of households buy plant-based drinks.
While evidence supports benefits for skin health, musculoskeletal conditions, gut health, and weight management, questions remain on optimal diet composition, disease-specific applications, and the development of effective plant-based products.
We aim to bring together nutrition researchers, clinicians, industry representatives, and early-career scientists to present the latest findings on plant-based diets in clinical nutrition, bowel and gut health, bone health, obesity, fibre intake, and protein digestion. The meeting will foster cross-disciplinary discussion, networking, and collaboration on emerging research priorities.
Programme
Registration
Welcome
Professor Paul Sharp, University of Leeds, UK
SESSION ONE: THE DIETARY TRANSITION: POPULATION EVIDENCE AND CONSUMER DEMAND
Chair: Dr Sarah Jing Guo, University of Leeds
Keynote: Dietary transition from animal to plant-derived foods
Professor Ian Givens, University of Reading, UK
Heterogeneity preferences and consumer willingness to pay for plant-based milk
Dr Yiyuan Miao, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Italy
De-risking the Path to Novel Food Adoption: The Role of Consumer Acceptability
Dr Laura Wilkinson, Swansea University, UK
Refreshment Break
SESSION TWO: FROM FOOD MATRIX TO THE GUT: MECHANISMS OF PLANT FOOD BENEFIT
Chair: Professor Kieran Tuohy, University of Leeds
Keynote: Polyphenols, the gut microbiome and cardiometabolic health: from bioavailability to biomarkers of plant-food intake
Professor Ana Rodriguez-Mateos, King’s College London, UK
Ileostomates & the gut: a partnership to explore dietary (poly)phenols bioavailability & bioactivity
Professor Chris Gill, Ulster University, UK
Role of biomacromolecule–phenol complexes in food: tuning taste and gut health
Professor Lijing Ke, University of Leeds, UK
Early Career Researcher Flash Talks
Three presentations, 5 min pitch + 2 min discussion each
Chair: (Maggie) Zhihua Wu, University of Leeds, UK
Consumption of milk and plant-based dairy alternatives: implications for nutrition, household expenditure and environmental sustainability
Rachael Wall, University of Reading, UK
Determinants of short-term vascular response to a (poly)phenol-rich dietary intervention
(Jenette) Xiaohe Liu, King’s College London, UK
Clinical Audit of the Nutritional Adequacy of a Three-Week Vegan Menu in a CAMHS Inpatient Eating-Disorder Service
Sama Al-Qazzaz, University of Nottingham
Lunch
SESSION THREE: FROM EVIDENCE TO PRACTICE: NUTRIENT ADEQUACY, CLINICAL TRANSLATION AND INDUSTRY
Chair: (Maggie) Zhihua Wu, University of Leeds
Keynote: Is it time to embrace plant-sourced omega-3s?
Professor Philip Calder, University of Southampton, UK
SACN and COT assessment of the health benefits and risks of consuming plant-based drinks.
Estella Hung, Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC)
Refreshment Break
Embedding plant-based diets into clinical practice (presenting virtually)
Dr Shireen Kassam, King's College Hospital, UK
Panel Discussion: Accelerating Innovation through Academia-Industry Collaboration in Alternative Proteins
Chair: Imran Afzal, CEO, National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre (NAPIC); Professor Brent Murray, University of Leeds, UK; Dr Laura Wilkinson, Swansea University, UK; Dr Laure Verstraeten, Holland & Barrett
Closing Remarks
Members of the Organising Committee:
Dr Yuanyuan Dong, (Maggie Wu) Zhihua Wu, Professor Janet Cade, Dr Diane Threapleton, Dr Sarah Guo, University of Leeds, UK
Venue:
Cloth Hall,
Cloth Hall Court,
Quebec Street,
Leeds.
LS1 2HA
Cloth Hall Court is in the heart of Leeds’ vibrant centre, just a two-minute walk from Leeds train station. Its prime central location ensures convenient ease of access for delegates.
It is also just a 15-minute walk from the coach station.
There is no parking on site.
Members: To benefit from the Member rate, members should first log in to their 'Membership & More' area before completing registration
Non-Members: £80
Non- Member Online attendance
Member Online Attendance
In person places are limited and registration will close when capacity is reached or on 9 November 2026, whichever is the soonest.